22.03.2021

Thank you to Amelia Bailey for this wonderful photo of a robin.

Dear Parents / Guardians of year 9 pupils, As per the Childhood Immunisation Schedule all year 9 pupils are routinely offered their vaccinations in school.

In the upcoming weeks you will be receiving immunisation consent forms in the post from the School Nursing Immunisation Team. Should you wish for your child to receive their immunisations the team will be at Ysgol Rhiwabon immunising on the 15.04.21 . The consent forms will be sent to your home address that is recorded on your child’s school system. If you feel this may not be the most up to date address please contact the Immunisation Team before Wednesday 23.03.21. All information on what immunisations your child will be offered will be enclosed with the consent forms.

Kind regards, Immunisation Team 03000 858 666 (option 2) BCU.ImmunisationTeamEast@.nhs.uk

World Book Day Competition Winners Tuesday, 9th March 2021

Thank you to everyone who participated in our World Book Day ‘Decorate a Door’ competition. We are pleased to announce the winners: • 1st place is awarded to Ben Jones (Year 9). • 2nd place is awarded to Brody Burges (Year 7). • 3rd place is awarded to Chloe Ashton (Year 7). Other notable entries were from: Tayli Brooks, Ashton Jarvis, Sam Josephs, Sophie Williams and Taylor Greenshields. Congratulations to all our winners for their fantastic efforts.

Ben Jones (Year 9) Brody Burges (Year 7) Chloe Ashton (Year 7)

https://www.ysgolrhiwabon.co.uk/

Ruabon Medical Centre is receiving a high volume of calls from patients regarding the covid vaccination and this is preventing patients, who need to be seen with our clinical team, from getting through. This is also preventing our clinical staff from contacting patients for telephone triage appointments as the phone lines are constantly blocked with queries from patients over the vaccination. Please can we ask all patients to email in to the surgery any queries regarding their covid vaccine rather than telephoning. You can email on: [email protected] or you can pop a note in to our post box which is located near the brown wooden door on the front of the surgery building asking us to get in touch. Also, please can patients not telephone to confirm any appointments that have been booked for you with confirmation sent to your mobile by text message. If you do not receive a reply text facility within the text message, please just turn up for your appointment or email or pop a note in our post box if you do not wish to have the vaccine or if you have already had the vaccine please also list the date and where you had the vaccine. We are working through the tier groups in accordance with guidelines and are vaccinating as many patients as possible and in conjunction with our vaccine supply. Please do not contact us we will contact you. If you are concerned you may have been missed please then email or post a note to us. If you are an unpaid carer who wants the vaccine, please follow the link https://gov.wales/get-covid-19-vaccine- unpaid-carer where you will be guided to a page which gives you clear instructions on what to do. A screen shot of the page is below: Get a COVID-19 vaccine as an unpaid carer How to book a COVID-19 vaccine if you are an unpaid carer of a clinically vulnerable person. Part of: • Vaccine: coronavirus Last updated: 8 March 2021 Overview If you are the sole or primary carer (unpaid) for an elderly or disabled person who is clinically vulnerable, you are now eligible for a vaccine. Those clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 include: • children with severe neuro-disabilities • those who are designated Clinically Extremely vulnerable (CEV), adults who have underlying health conditions • those who need care because of advanced age How to book your vaccine If you are already registered as an unpaid carer with your GP you will be contacted by your practice automatically. You do not have to do anything. Otherwise you will need to complete an online booking form. Forms are available on the NHS health board web pages. You need to select your (or the health board where your GP is based). Once you have completed the form you will be invited for your COVID-19 vaccine. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Vale University Health Board Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board; Swansea Bay University Health Board First Minister has announced the creation of commemorative woodlands in memory of those who have died from coronavirus. Two new woodlands will be planted – one in and one in South Wales – as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow. It is hoped they will be places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones. The woodlands will also be locations where the public will be able to reflect on the pandemic and the huge impact it has had on all our lives. The woodlands will be planted with a range of tree species, making them resilient to a changing environment; a fitting symbol of the strength the people of Wales have shown over the past year. The First Minister said: “Today, we mark a deeply sad anniversary as we remember the first person in Wales to die from coronavirus. “Since that day too many people have been taken too soon. We remember them today and keep them in our hearts and our minds. “Today I am announcing the creation of two commemorative woodlands - one in north Wales and one in south Wales – as permanent living memorials to all those who have died. “These woodlands will grow into natural spaces of reflection, where families and others can come to remember all those we have lost. “The pandemic has cast a long shadow on all our lives over the last year, but we can also look to the future with hope.” The locations of the two sites will be announced shortly and Natural Resources Wales will engage with local communities to plan and design the woodlands. Clare Pillman, CEO Natural Resources Wales said: “Our woodlands play a vital role in our environment and communities and are powerful, poignant symbols of life and memory. “The new commemorative woodlands will provide a living, growing memorial that will honour the memory of all of those who have sadly lost their lives to coronavirus. “In addition to being a symbolic representation of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic, the woodlands will also provide a safe, quiet and accessible place where families can come to visit and remember their loved ones.” The First Minister also announced there will be a National Coronavirus Commemorative Event broadcast on BBC One Wales and at 5pm on the 23rd of March. ********************** Legislation to manage election during covid pandemic - receives Legislation to ensure the next Senedd election can happen safely, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen. The Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Act 2021 introduces a range of measures to make it easier for those affected by the pandemic to vote. It will also significantly address the risk of there being an extended period where the Senedd cannot meet that would arise if the Senedd dissolved as normal, on 7 April, and the election could not proceed on 6 May because of the pandemic. The is clear that the election should go ahead on 6th May 2021 as intended. Everybody should prepare on that basis. The Act makes it possible to delay polling day should the pandemic present such a serious threat to public health and the conduct of the election, that it is not safe to hold the election at that time. A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majesty’s own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the Senedd. The , Mark Drakeford, applied the Welsh Seal to the Letters Patent at a sealing ceremony earlier today. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “I’m pleased the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Act has now become law. “Given the unpredictable nature of the virus, there is significant uncertainty about what the public health situation will be like in May. That’s why we’ve acted now to respond to the potential risks to the election arising from the pandemic. “The Act will help ensure people can exercise their democratic right to vote in the election, but to do so in a safe and secure way.” Provisions in the Act include: • An ability for a voter to apply for an emergency proxy vote where, in the period ahead of the poll, a voter or their already nominated proxy becomes unable to participate in person on the day of the poll because of a reason relating to coronavirus, such as the need to self-isolate; • Allowing the Senedd to keep sitting for up to seven calendar days before the election (instead of it being dissolved 21 working days before the election as is usually the case). This will allow the Welsh Government and Members of the Senedd to continue to deal with legislation related to the covid pandemic and enable a postponement of the election should that prove necessary during the final month before the poll is held; • Allowing for the postponing of the Senedd election for up to 6 months, to a date no later than 5th November 2021, if this is needed due to public health reasons. The postponement and the fixing of a new date for the election would be proposed by the Presiding Officer and would require the agreement of two- thirds of Members. The Act also enables local government by-elections to be postponed beyond 6 May 2021 if required, to a date no later than 5 November 2021. The Act will apply only to Senedd elections and local government by elections in 2021 and not to any subsequent elections. ****************************

NHS and social care staff to benefit from bonus payment The Welsh Government will fund a £735 bonus payment for NHS and social care staff to recognise their extraordinary contribution during the covid-19 pandemic, the Health Minister has announced today (Wednesday 17 March). The £735 is a one-off payment for NHS and social care staff and includes a £500 bonus, plus £235 to cover the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions incurred. It is estimated the payment will benefit 221,945 people in Wales including 103,600 social care staff, 90,000 NHS Wales staff, 2,345 deployed students and 26,000 primary care staff (including pharmacy, GP, dental and optometry staff). Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething said: “Over the last year, Wales’ NHS staff and social care staff have shown a remarkable amount of commitment and courage from the initial outbreak of the pandemic right through to the current second wave. “They will have suffered the impacts of the pandemic on their physical and mental health wellbeing in both their personal and professional lives. “This payment expresses our gratitude to our NHS and social care workforce for their extraordinary contribution in keeping Wales safe.” The Welsh Government is working with local authorities and with trade unions to finalise details of the scheme. The bonus is further to the £500 special payment for care home and domiciliary care workers announced in May 2020 to recognise their work through the first wave of the pandemic. This bonus will be made to a wider group of social care workers including local authority social services staff. ****************** New International Learning Exchange programme to make good the loss of Erasmus+

The Welsh Government has today announced a new international learning exchange programme, following the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the popular Erasmus+ scheme. The scheme will enable learners and staff, both from Wales and those who come to study or work in Wales, to continue to benefit from international exchanges in a similar way to the opportunities that flowed from Erasmus+, not just in Europe but also further afield. The new scheme – which will run from 2022 to 2026 - will be supported by an investment of £65m from the Welsh Government. The Programme will provide funding to enable students, staff and learners across universities, Further Education and Vocational Education and Training, Adult Education, youth work settings and schools to undertake a period of structured learning or work experience overseas, as well as enabling strategic partnerships. A fundamental principle of the programme will be reciprocity. Where necessary, the programme will fund costs related to the inward mobility of learners, teachers and young people from partner organisations abroad. This will enable existing partnerships which have been built up under Erasmus + to continue and help to create new ones, raising Wales’ international profile as well as offering opportunities to those who benefit directly. The scheme aims to enable 15,000 participants from Wales to go on overseas mobility exchanges over the first four years, with 10,000 participants coming to study or work in Wales. has agreed to take on the detailed development of the programme over the next 12 months, working with an advisory board of stakeholders from across the education and youth sectors, with funded activities getting underway in 2022/3. While Welsh institutions will be able to participate in the UK Government’s Turing Scheme in 2021/2, they will also continue to benefit from Erasmus+ exchanges deferred from last year due to the pandemic. The new programme will then fill the gaps Turing leaves, including, crucially, the commitment to long-term funding, the retention of the principle of two-way exchanges and the inclusion of youth work. , the Education Minister, said: “We have been clear that international exchange programmes, which bring so many benefits to participants, as well as their education providers and wider community, should build on the excellent opportunities that the Erasmus+ programme offered. “I am therefore delighted to announce today that the Welsh Government is investing in our future generations by launching an International Learning Exchange Programme for Wales. “Our students and staff are vital ambassadors for us overseas, promoting the message that Wales is an inviting destination for students and partners across the world, and their education and cultural awareness are improved in many ways as a result of spending time abroad – just as our education providers are enriched by students and staff visiting Wales to study and teach. “By investing in this programme now, we are investing in a strong, international and prosperous future for all young people in Wales. “The main beneficiaries of the new scheme will be young people in upper secondary, for whom the challenges of learning from home over the last year have been particularly profound. We owe it to this next generation of students and learners to have the same opportunities previous years had.” Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, said: “Spending time studying, volunteering or on work placements abroad broadens horizons, expands key skills and brings benefits to communities and organisations here in Wales. We are determined to ensure that young people across our country benefit from these opportunities. “This is a down payment on our young people’s futures, offering opportunities to all, from all backgrounds. Securing these opportunities is particularly important in the context of the difficulties experienced by young people and learners across Wales as a result of the pandemic. “As we emerge from the pandemic, the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales remains an outward-looking nation, which welcomes those who come to study or work here and embraces partnerships across Europe and the world.” Professor Colin Riordan, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, which has taken on the challenge of developing and delivering the programme, said: “Here at Cardiff University, we see first-hand how international experiences broaden our students' horizons and open up a world of opportunities for their futures once they leave us. This is why we enable all of our students to study a language, for free, alongside their studies, and encourage them to volunteer, work or study abroad via our Global Opportunities Centre. “We are delighted to be entrusted with hosting and co-developing the new International Learning Exchange programme which secures the opportunity for global experiences for the next generation of students, across a wide range of learning settings. We are sure that the scheme will be of huge benefit both for the learners and for raising the global profile of Wales as a connected, open and inviting country.” Colegau Cymru Chair, Guy Lacey said: “We are pleased to welcome today’s Welsh Government announcement. The value of international exchange programmes has long been known in the FE sector, providing opportunities to broaden the horizons of its participants which in turn gives a positive impact on individuals, colleges and the wider community. This assurance will also allow us to maintain and build on our relationships with overseas partners.” Professor Iwan Davies, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University and Chair of Global Wales. “An outward-looking and competitive nation requires a skilled workforce with a global outlook. Providing opportunities for students to be internationally mobile through study or work is crucial to this, and we welcome the expanded opportunities that the new International Learning Exchange programme offers to both students and staff. “We also welcome the ongoing support for the Global Wales Programme – an initiative which builds fruitful partnerships around the globe, capitalising on the strengths of our universities and supporting Wales to define its role on the world stage. “As we emerge from the pandemic, this support will be crucial in enabling us to continue to build on relationships with our global partners, promoting Wales as an open and welcoming destination for students and researchers alike.” Professor Julie Lydon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales and Chair of Universities Wales, said: “We welcome today’s announcement of a bold new international learning exchange programme for Wales. “Research shows that students who spend some time abroad working, studying or volunteering achieve better degrees and get better jobs, and that the benefits are even greater for participants from the least advantaged backgrounds. “This opportunity to increase student and researcher mobility will be of huge benefit, not only to the individuals concerned but to our universities and campuses, and the country as a whole. “The reciprocal nature of the new scheme will provide key benefits for Wales. International students, staff and researchers play an invaluable role in diversifying and internationalising our campuses and communities at a time when retaining an international outlook is more important than ever.” ENDS. ******************************* Health and Social Care in Wales COVID 19 pandemic recovery plan published

Health Minister Vaughan Gething has today (Monday 22 March) published a plan, supported by an initial £100m funding, to help the health and care system in Wales to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Health and Social Care in Wales COVID 19: Looking Forward looks at the following key aspects of recovery: • Reducing health inequalities to achieve a fairer Wales • Building more responsive primary and community care • Creating supportive mental health services • More effective and efficient services • Better working between health and social services • Supporting and building a resilient workforce • Providing accessible digital support Mr Gething said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our health and social care system, patients and staff. As we emerge from the most serious stage of the pandemic, we are now in a position to set out how we can start to recover. “This plan sets out the broad principles of recovery and more detailed actions will follow. I am making available an initial £100m now to support the first steps, but it is clear more resources will be needed to make a full recovery. “It will be a long journey, but it is also an opportunity to transform how we deliver health and care services in the future, and to tackle the health inequalities in our society that the pandemic has made even more evident. “That is why, alongside our recovery plan, I am also pleased to announce our National Clinical Framework, which sets out how we see NHS clinical services developing over the next decade.” The National Clinical Framework is a commitment made in A Healthier Wales and describes how the strategic development of clinical services can make the NHS fit for the challenges of the 21st century. It responds to key aspects of the Parliamentary Review on the future of health and social care in Wales. It is underpinned by the introduction of Quality Statements that set out in more detail the standards and outcomes we expect to see from particular clinical services. The first two quality statements are for cancer and heart conditions, and replace the Cancer and Heart Condition Delivery Plans, which came to an end in December. Mr Gething said: “Developed with clinicians, these documents set out how we will meet our vision for a modern NHS that can meet the demand of the futures, as set-out in our long-term plan for health and social care, A Healthier Wales.” New technology, much of which emerged during the pandemic, will play a key part in the future delivery of services and today the Welsh Government also announced £1.26m to set up a centre to promote the use of new technologies in health and social care. The investment will allow Technology Enabled Care Cymru to promote the use of new technologies, such as virtual consultation and remote monitoring of patients at home. NHS Wales Chief Executive Andrew Goodall said the health and social care system is committed to learning from the pandemic and scaling up technological innovation. “Previously, only 8 per cent of outpatient consultations were virtual, but this has increased to more than 43 per cent since the start of the pandemic,” he said. “For many patients this is a significant improvement in how they access services and we need to build on that, while ensuring that capacity for face-to-face services is focused on people who need to be seen in person.” A summary of a new study of the technological innovations that emerged during the pandemic was also published today. The NHS Wales COVID-19 Innovation and Transformation Study has been undertaken to capture learning that can enable, scale and sustain innovative and transformative ways of working across NHS Wales. ENDS. *************************************** Welsh Government updates Coronavirus Control Plan

The Welsh Government has today updated its Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out how and when more people and businesses will be able to resume their activities in the safest possible way. In December, the First Minister published the Coronavirus Control Plan: Alert Levels for Wales, which set out how the national measures would be introduced in a more predictable way based on a framework of four alert levels. The plan has been updated to take account of Wales’ fast-moving vaccination programme and the emergence of the highly-infectious Kent variant of the virus, which is now dominant throughout Wales. It also reflects the risk of new, potentially vaccine-resistant variants of coronavirus being imported into Wales from people holidaying and travelling overseas. The new plan will support the Welsh Government to continue to relax restrictions while the public health situation continues to remain positive – rates have fallen significantly across Wales thanks to all the hard work and sacrifices made by people during the winter months. It sets out a range of indictors the Welsh Government will analyse and assess, alongside professional expert advice and intelligence from local partners, to determine how restrictions are relaxed. But if there are strong signs of a growth in infections, it also sets out how the relaxations may need to be slowed, paused or in the worst case, reversed. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The coronavirus pandemic has turned all our lives upside down. Over the last 12 months, everyone in Wales has made sacrifices to help protect themselves and their families and help bring coronavirus under control. “This is a cruel virus – far too many families have lost loved ones, and unfortunately, we know that many more people will fall seriously ill and sadly will die before the pandemic is over. But the way people and communities have pulled together across Wales, and followed the rules, has undoubtedly saved many more lives. “We are now entering a critical phase in the pandemic. We can see light at the end of the tunnel as we approach the end of a long and hard second wave, thanks to the amazing efforts of scientists and researchers across the world to develop effective vaccines. Our amazing vaccination programme has made vaccines available to people in the most at-risk groups at incredible speed.” More than 1.2m people in Wales have said yes to vaccination and have received their first dose; more than 300,000 people have completed the two-dose course. The aim is to offer the first nine priority groups of adults vaccination by mid-April and all eligible adults a first dose by the end of July. Early results about the effectiveness of the vaccines are promising in terms of their effect in both preventing severe disease and transmission. But, until the vaccination programme is more advanced, a large proportion of the population will remain vulnerable to infection. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the Kent variant means that Ministers are adopting a more cautious approach to coming out of lockdown. The updated Coronavirus Control Plan sets out the following phased steps for moving from alert level four into alert level three: From Monday 22nd March: • First phased opening of non-essential retail – restrictions on the sale of items will be lifted for shops, which are currently open; • Garden centres re-open. From Saturday 27th March: Next week, Ministers will confirm if the conditions allow for the following relaxations to come into force: • Stay local requirement lifted, moving Wales into alert level three; • First phased opening of the tourism sector as self-contained accommodation opens; • Organised outdoor children’s activities resume; • Limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens; • Libraries re-open. 1st April review cycle From 12th April (if conditions allow): • Full return to schools, colleges and other education; • All shops to open; • Close contact services to open. 22nd April review cycle The following areas will be considered as part of the 22nd April review, if the public health situation continues to remain positive and vaccination rates continue to increase: • Gyms, leisure and fitness facilities; • Outdoor attractions; • Outdoor hospitality; • Weddings; • Community centres; • Organised activities (30 outdoors, 15 indoors); • Extended households. First Minister Mark Drakeford added: “Just as we are rolling out vaccination, we are facing a very different virus in Wales today. The highly-infectious Kent variant is now dominant in all parts of Wales. “This means the protective behaviours we have all learned to adopt are even more important than ever – getting tested and isolating when we have symptoms; keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings. “The pandemic is not over – spring and summer give us hope of more freedom, as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated. “But we must need to be careful – we can’t rush the process of relaxing restrictions and risk a resurgence of the virus.” We will revisit this plan after vaccination has been offered to all eligible adults – currently scheduled for the end of July – when more evidence and data about its impact will be available. ENDS. ********************

Current and future health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on employers and their staff Healthy Working Wales is a Welsh Government programme delivered by Public Health Wales (PHW) to work with employers to create healthy workplaces and promote good health. PHW is keen to hear from a wide range of organisations in Wales to better understand the current and future health impacts on employers and their staff of the Covid-19 pandemic. Effeithiau’r pandemig Covid-19 ar iechyd ar hyn o bryd ac yn y dyfodol ar gyflogwyr a'u staff Rhaglen Llywodraeth Gymru yw Cymru Iach ar Waith a ddarperir gan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru i weithio gyda chyflogwyr i greu gweithleoedd iach ac i hybu iechyd da. Mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru yn awyddus i glywed gan ystod eang o sefydliadau yng Nghymru i ddeall effeithiau’r pandemig Covid-19 ar iechyd ar hyn o bryd ac yn y dyfodol ar gyflogwyr a'u staff.

Employer Survey What are the current and future health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on employers and their staff? And how should Healthy Working Wales and partner organisations respond? Share this link with employers: https://www.opinionresearch.co.uk/PHWHWW The survey is live until 31st March 2021

Privacy Notice Accessibility Opinion Research Services The Strand, Swansea, SA1 1AF 01792 535300 [email protected]/Opinion Research Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales Company number 2904006 © Opinion Research Services 2021

Thank you to Karen Owen (BCUHB Communications) for the information above

Five year plan set to transform hospital pharmacy services in Wales

A new five year plan set to revolutionise hospital pharmacy services in Wales has been agreed by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething. The plan will transform how some of the most innovative and life-saving medicines including cancer therapies, intravenous antibiotics and parenteral nutrition, are prepared.

The Transforming Access to Medicines programme is a five year plan, which the Minister has asked NHS Wales Shares Services Partnership (NWSSP) to develop business case for with an indicative funding requirement of £67m.

The sterile preparation of medicines also known as aseptic services is a speciality area within hospital pharmacy services. Aseptic Services are responsible for the development, preparation and supply of unique patient-centred medicines, including the preparation of injectable systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), preparation of parenteral (intravenous) nutrition for people whose medical condition mean they are unable to absorb nutrients from the food they eat, and radio-pharmaceuticals used in diagnosis and treatment of cancers. With the advances in medicines that deliver improved outcomes for patients, demand for these critical services have been growing. Currently, much of this work is undertaken in throughout Wales. In order to expand services NWSSP will develop business cases for the creation of three new integrated regional facilities based in North, South West and South East Wales. Whilst the exact funding required will be confirmed as the business cases are developed, an indicative funding requirement of £67m has been identified.

The three regional facilities will increase NHS Wales’ capacity and capability to prepare the medicines people need and will allow the NHS to capitalise on advances in technology and automation improving patient safety and freeing up nurses’ time for patient care. Alongside the new facilities, the investment will support transforming the workforce, creating new skilled jobs and boosting productivity. The funding will also create opportunities for collaborations between the NHS and universities supporting clinical trials and research into the development of innovative products that allow medicines to be given at or closer to people’s homes, rather than in hospital. . Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething said: “The regional facilities will be the first of their kind in the UK and will deliver huge benefits, not only for existing medical treatments but also enabling development and research for new treatments. The funding will invest in the future workforce and develop vital skills for a service that is seeing increasing demand. The plans announced today will further support the access to innovative medicines patients in Wales have through our New Treatment Fund and will bolster our commitment to ensure people across Wales have prompt access to the latest and best treatments.”

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) Managing Director Neil Frow: “I welcome the Minister confirming his support for this ambitious programme which is a significant investment over the next 5 years. It is a fantastic example of how Health Boards and Trusts are coming together through the Shared Services Partnership to collaborate on delivering improvements for patients in Wales. Over the next few years the development of new hubs will play a key role in developing the capacity and capability to meet the current and future needs of the service.” ENDS

An extra £150 million has been made available to support businesses in Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on 12th March 2021 that an additional £150 million is being made available to support businesses in Wales, through to the end of March, that are dealing with the economic consequences of the extended restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19. The additional support, which will operate as a top up to the NDR Restrictions Business Fund Grant, will help businesses in the hospitality, tourism, leisure and non-essential retail sectors that are liable for non-domestic rates (as of 1st March 2021 and who were in occupation of the premises at this time). The grant will be available regardless of the number of employees the business has. Eligible business with a rateable value:

• Under £12,000 will receive an additional £4,000 grant payment.

• Between £12,001 and £500,000 will receive an additional £5,000 grant. Businesses in Wrexham who have already received a previous Restrictions Non-Domestic Rate Grant of either £3,000, £5,000 or multiples thereof, do not need to apply for the top-up scheme detailed above, as payments will be made automatically, with payments commencing from 22nd March 2021. Wrexham County Borough Councils Business Rates team who are again managing this Non-Domestic Rate scheme for businesses based in Wrexham are looking to make all payments by 15 April 2021. They are asking businesses not to contact the department to chase up the top-up grant payment as they are prioritising their workload to ensure payments are made as soon as possible and are unable to reply to individual update requests. If, after checking your bank account, you have not received the top- up payment by 15 April 2021, but believe you qualify, please email [email protected] making sure you quote your business rates reference number. If your circumstances have changed and you are no longer entitled to claim the new Business Rates Grant (i.e. you have vacated your business premises or have no intention of re- opening the business once restrictions are eased), you must inform [email protected] immediately. If your business has not received the previous Restrictions Grant (please note: all previous Business Rates Relief schemes have now ended and payments cannot be made retrospectively for any of these schemes) you can apply for the new scheme (detailed above) via the link below. Please make sure you read the guidance and eligibility criteria before applying: https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Restrictions_Busines s_Fund_NDR_Application_Form

Restrictions Discretionary Grant (phase two) Applications for the second phase of the Restrictions Discretionary Grant have now closed for applications in Wrexham. No additional discretionary grants have been announced by the Welsh Government at the moment, however they are continuing to consider the case for further funding from April onwards. We’ll be in touch should an additional discretionary grant be announced. Wrexham Library, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, LL11 1AU Telephone: 01978 292092 Email: [email protected] www.wrexham.gov.uk/businessline

Record investment in flood risk management schemes will continue to protect communities across Wales The Welsh Government is to invest record sums in flood and coastal risk management schemes across Wales for 2021/22, continuing to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion to communities, as the impact of the ongoing climate emergency continues to be felt. The Welsh Government will provide £36million – the highest amount of capital funding provided in a single year – to councils and Natural Resources Wales to help them invest in new defences, maintenance works and natural flood management schemes. The new funding comes at the end of a Senedd term which has seen the Welsh Government invest more than £390 million in capital and revenue spending to help combat the risk of flooding and coastal erosion, benefitting over 45,000 properties. This includes a major investment to support the Coastal Risk Management Programme worth over £150 million. The funding was announced today (Friday, March 19) by Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs. The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Programme will see £17m given to Natural Resources Wales – more than £7m of which will cover core flood activities including maintenance and mapping projects - and £19m to Local Authorities. Flood defence projects backed in the 2021/22 programme will help to reduce risk to communities in areas including Treorchy, Dyserth, Ammanford, Glynneath and Llansannan. The full programme will be available online, and will be followed by a map showing the spread of schemes across the country. In addition to capital funding for schemes, £29.4million in revenue will be provided to support the wider work of our Risk Management Authorities, including staffing, outreach and maintenance activities, bringing the total investment in 2021/22 to £65.4 million. Flooding events seen across Wales during the last year have highlighted the need for continued support for communities facing increased flood risk – particularly as the ongoing impact of the climate emergency makes incidences of severe flooding more likely in the coming years. Successes in last year’s FCERM Programme will continue into 2021/22, including: • Maintaining support for WLGA; the Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre and the Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee; • 100% grant funding for Local Authorities to prepare new schemes, including business cases, consultations and design work (this approach saw applications increase by a third from 2020/21) • Increasing the funding contribution for delivering coastal projects from 75% to 85% • 100% funding for the Natural Flood Management (NFM) Programme - using sustainable methods to curb flood risk, with 15 projects ongoing worth £2.8m. • £4m for repairs to damaged flood alleviation assets – in addition to £5m provided last year • A further £4m to support the Small Scale Works Grant, allowing local authorities to tackle flood risk through smaller flood alleviation schemes – supporting 86 projects across Wales, and benefitting more than 1,700 properties. Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “Last year, we saw terrible scenes of flooding throughout Wales – with some communities affected on more than one occasion. “The COVID-19 pandemic meant the impact of flooding was even harder to deal with than usual, and responding to floods became more difficult. “As Wales looks to tackle the root causes of the climate emergency, we also have to deal with its effects, and help communities in responding to the increased likelihood of severe weather events. Sadly, ‘once in a lifetime’ flooding events are no longer once in a lifetime. “This record £65.4million funding provided through our Flood and Coastal Risk Management Programme for 2021/22 will help support communities across Wales as they respond to increased flood risk, and comes at the end of a Senedd term which has seen record funding in flood and coastal schemes. “This has been a key priority for the Welsh Government throughout this term, and I am proud of the record we have in reducing the risk to communities across Wales from the devastating effects of flooding and coastal erosion.” ENDS.

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Avian influenza (bird flu): latest update High Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed at a premises in Anglesey. All Protection and Surveillance zones have now been removed. Local movement restrictions have also been removed. However, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place. Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 ************** A message from the Rev’d. Kate Tiltman:

The Church is closed for Anglican worship until we are advised by our bishop that it is safe to open again on a Sunday. However, if the covid number stays low then ‘normal’ services might be allowed to take place on EASTER SUNDAY! Roman Catholic Mass is still taking place every Sunday at 11am. Message sent in by Ruabon resident: Linda Clarke “Ruabon had a surprising but welcome visitor on Saturday morning - a red kite. It soared across Albert Grove, Stanley Grove, Wynn Avenue then turned up the high street. With a slimmer body and 'v' shape to its tail feathers it was easily distinguished from buzzards flying high above it. Don’t know about anyone else but I have not seen one this side of the mountains before.”

Photo of a red kite taken from Google ***************** Voluntary Work Skills Course starting 13th April 2021 • Adults and young people aged 14 and over. • WANT TO VOLUNTEER BUT DON’T FEEL READY? • WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. FLVC’s supported volunteering programme brings participants closer to the opportunity that’s right for them, combining work towards a Level 1 qualification, with volunteer taster sessions. Please see the flyer below for further information: Level 1 Voluntary Work Skills Course Cwrs Achredelig Sgiliau Gwaith Gwirfoddol Lefel 1

Llyfrgell Rhiwabon Library

Spring is on its way at Ruabon Library! Check out our latest spring titles. Plenty to choose from, top titles in hardback, paperback and audio books

March’s author of the Month

Catherine Isaac Author of “life-affirming stories of self-discovery and family secrets.”

Oriau agor dros dro Temporary Opening Llun 12.00 yp – 5.00yp Mawrth Ar gau Mercher 12.00yp - 5.00yp Iau 9.00yb – 1.15yp Gwener 12.00yp – 5.00yp

Monday 12.00pm – 5.00pm Tuesday Closed Wednesday 12.00pm – 5.00pm Thursday 9.00pm – 1.15pm Friday 12.00pm – 5.00pm Gwasanaeth Archebu a Chasglu Apwyntiad Order & Collect Service by Appointment Call on 01978 822002 or email [email protected]

Digital Storytelling – 21st April 2021

Wales Neurological Alliance in partnership with Digital Communities Wales welcomes you to a training session to help people living with a neurological condition to use digital technology. There are many incredible uses for digital technology and a favourite of ours at Digital Communities Wales is the wonderful and wholesome Digital Storytelling capabilities that we are able to achieve by simply using our smartphones. During this session, we will demonstrate how you may utilise these apps to upload images from your home or the web and combine them with narration or written text and music to create powerful, short video clips. This free webinar will last approximately 1 hour, as we guide you on your journey to tell a story through the application of Digital Technology. Join us on the 21st April 2pm-3pm To book click here: http://bit.ly/DCW_Digital_Stories ***************

Thank you once again, for your contributions, all best wishes, Sybil.